Introverted Personalities and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

[Adrian86]

Perhaps in this Thread, we can discuss the significance of understanding the balance between introverted and extroverted personality types.

Any thoughts or advice is welcomed in suggesting suitable roles for the introvert, namely where one is able to make a living in a symbiotic way with a predominantly extrovert society.

I have started this thread because I find myself very much fitting the definition of an introvert.
see: http://giftedkids.about.com/od/socialemotionalissues/tp/introverts.htm

My problem is that I cannot seem to find a way to utilize personal skills effectively, especially in regards to establishing myself with independence and financial stability.

personally, I can say that I am skilled with technology such as that I know how to build and repair computers, audio engineering/production related tasks - even to extent of film and animation production. I love to read and absorb information in a broad spectrum, namely that which can be placed within the scope of the alternative media and more.

I have tried various jobs such as customer service, but none seem to work out. Which brings me back to the topic of Introverts and Extroverts.

I find that because of my introverted nature, I was left with feelings of being under-appreciated, all the way to feelings of not being good enough to assume a notable role in society as I cannot keep up with the fast paced and cut-throat demand that such roles may require.

Can anybody lend some advice or suggestions for my predicament? also, if possible, towards the topic of introversion and extroversion in general.

cheers,
~Adrian

[Sidney]

OMG- I can so relate. I was so painfully shy as a young person. School was absolute torture.. I never fit in anywhere. That on top of having such a F**** up disfunctional family , I don't know how old you are, but if I could do it all over again, I would do something in the arts. Photography, writing,, computer design, something where I don't have to be around people.

You are most likely a walk-in. some call it wanderer. Et soul.

http://www.llresearch.org/library/a_wanderers_handbook_pdf/a_wanderers_handbook.pdf

this may answer some of your questions.

Hope this helps

[edina]

Hey Adrian and starchild, this is something I can totally relate to. I'm weird though, I'm expressive and have good people skills, but I am undoubtedly introverted. I get exhausted around too many people. I absorb so much, I need to adapt my life to accomodate. Here's a book that helped me the most. The Introvert Advantage, How to Thrive in an Extrovert World. (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=4&ved=0CEAQgwgwAw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FIntrovert-Advantage-Thrive-Extrovert-ebook%2Fdp%2FB001OXCET2&rct=j&q=the%20introvert%20advantage&ei=vIY_Tf3EOMOBlAfawb3lAg&usg=AFQjCNHwX43maC_MYKl-NIAhqMhk9ghuhQ&cad=rja)

For the longest time I couldn't tell if I was introverted, when I take all those personality tests I tend to be all over the map. I score a balance across all those divisions.

But, extroverts recreate, get their energy reservoirs filled by being around people. Introverts get their reservoirs filled by being alone, they need time to think to function.

I can soooo relate to the shyness in school. I didn't talk out loud for the first two years of school. I whispered all my answers in the nuns ears. Thank god for Sister Gardensia, I think that was her name. My Mom says it was like I went into shock. It didn't help I was ultra-sensitive to damn near everything.

I love this book, I own a business, I've been an instructor in the Air Force, I can do public speaking. But, I cannot do those things if I do not schedule in lots of time to be alone.

I hope anyone who struggles with how to fit in an extroverted world would find this book helpful.

[KosmicKat]

Yesterday my daughter opined that I have no ambition! The sad fact is that I have given up trying to have ambitions. It feels as if there is a path mapped out for me and any attempt to deviate from it is firmly but gently corrected. I know that I can contribute effectively in a world-class organization, but ...

[9eagle9]

The sort of introversion that you speak where you feel its affecting your ability to fulfill your wants, needs, and potential is typically rooted in some core beliefs and values instilled in us as a child. So determining what was imposed on you to give a core (unconscious) value that you are perceived as under appreciated. First challenge is that. Then learning to appreciate ourselves, (instilling a positive core value) meaning appreciation doesn't come from external sources. "I appreciate what I do without anyone elses input." This enables us in employment roles to feel that we have enough self value to not be railroaded, be able to feel secure asking for raises (we have to appreciate our work enough to expect equal give back in energy) . WE really have to examine and feel what is going on in the core beleif systems that we feel that we aren't entitled to earn an abundant living. Because if we don't feel it, its hard to make it happen.


One is honesty. We are instilled with a lot beliefs about doing hard work and monetary reciprocation. We get that from family and social engineering. That if you make a lot of money without putting in double effort we are somehow in error, or lazy or lacking in character.... whatever. Allowing subtle judgements to be placed on what we do and how we earn our money.

I personally assume a less work, more money attitude. But its because of another core belief I've learned to cultivate. I'm not a slave. I came here to spend most of my hours LIVING not working. I no longer equate work with money. To do otherwise is a slave mentality and its been our human psyche for a long time. But I had to be honest in expression and say. Guess what God. I want a job where I can stay home, do very little but make a lot. I really had to learn that was okay to have as core value. Once I did ...well money was no longer the problem it used to be. Before I had a very hard time convincing myself I was entitled to just basic living, housing, food, heat. It's no longer a problem. It just shows up.. It will show up because the universe that manifests against our core energy doesn't make judgements. We have the judgement in the core energy and send it out. But I had to get rid of some negative core beleifs by tracking where they came from. Most of it was overtly or covertly instilled in childhood. And then further engrained as I went through life, I kept putting out this neg value, it was returned to me as I'm without value.

If you have no self value you will have no value (monetary) returned to you or otherwise you have to do it through brute force (labor).

This is why so many of those law of attraction concepts don't work. They dont' explain that people have to clean up their inner self a little get rid of the negative core values. You can think as many positive thoughts as you want but if the inner energy it's going out on has a neg core value affecting the power output...you don't manifest well.

An example of a core belief that I grew up with was what ever I had, I HAD to share it. A very common parental installation of a conditioned belief "You can have it but you have to share it" . As an adult whenever anything came my way I got rid of it as fast as possible, money, material things regardless if I really wanted to or not. If I had extra I had to give it up. If I had it AT ALL I had to give it up. It's a form of guilt. I did it in a knee jerky unconscious way , not even realizing I was doing it. Everything I had , 'it was wrong for me to have it" This makes it really hard to support yourself.

Now on the flip side. The fast paced and cut throat demand is robotically conditioned people. They don't feel they do, they operate. They seem to be running from something. That is not an energy I don't think that would support you and no matter how confident you got, you'd never feel ....content? there. I'm more of an extoverted personality or rather self authoritative and I could easily keep up with people like that but its not an energy I care to engage in because I'm laid back. I just get this sense they are driven (not self motivated) by something that is not altogether healthy.

Not thatthey are of your league but would you really enjoy those people even if you had the skills you thought you needed to work in that sort of environment? Its very important we enjoy our work and that which supports it. Make a huge difference. Big difference to be in a paradigm of people who think you are working miracles and then yawn in your face (invalidating) or those who have no clear concept of what you are doing but are enthused anyway...lol. A lot of people who are bit more spiritual compare themselves to their more succesful peers . Those successful people can't quite grasp you, therefore seem to ignore you or perhaps undervalue you. That's THEIR problem, not a problem YOU have. You don't want to really integrate with that sort of energy you end up seeking validation from the very group who will never give it to you. It perpetrates a viscous cycle.

Finding your own security in your own self authority will lead you to find your existing personal skills are perfectly adequate. You probably just need a little self excavation. There is a lot of ego engagement in the typical extrovert they've learned to cultivate ways to get the sort of attention that continuously props up their self identity. Not to say that extroverts are all ego engaged I'm talking about in the common perception world--the rat race. You don't really want to cultivate that sort of extrovertism you want to aim for self authority. Meaning you, your opinion, your feelings, view points, how your inner self is expressed is confident in it's expression. Because it's self supported. You stop questioning yourself or assuming you are wrong because you aren't out there flashing like some people tend to.

And....

Extrovertism can be a meaningful sign of insecurity as introvertism.

Don't always assume something is wrong with you, per say. There are some really false standards that we've tried hard to live up to. Problem is false standards aren't real. So we expend a lot of energy attempting to live up to something that doesn't' really exist.



Perhaps in this Thread, we can discuss the significance of understanding the balance between introverted and extroverted personality types.

Any thoughts or advice is welcomed in suggesting suitable roles for the introvert, namely where one is able to make a living in a symbiotic way with a predominantly extrovert society.

I have started this thread because I find myself very much fitting the definition of an introvert.
see: http://giftedkids.about.com/od/socialemotionalissues/tp/introverts.htm

My problem is that I cannot seem to find a way to utilize personal skills effectively, especially in regards to establishing myself with independence and financial stability.

personally, I can say that I am skilled with technology such as that I know how to build and repair computers, audio engineering/production related tasks - even to extent of film and animation production. I love to read and absorb information in a broad spectrum, namely that which can be placed within the scope of the alternative media and more.

I have tried various jobs such as customer service, but none seem to work out. Which brings me back to the topic of Introverts and Extroverts.

I find that because of my introverted nature, I was left with feelings of being under-appreciated, all the way to feelings of not being good enough to assume a notable role in society as I cannot keep up with the fast paced and cut-throat demand that such roles may require.

Can anybody lend some advice or suggestions for my predicament? also, if possible, towards the topic of introversion and extroversion in general.

cheers,
~Adrian

[wegge]

A while ago someone posted a quote of krishnamurti that goes like that: "Being well adjusted to a sick society is no sign of health"

[Bill Ryan]

----------

Huge subject. I used to run seminars on the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myers-Briggs_Type_Indicator)) - an extension of Jung's work on very fundamental character types.

The terms introverted and extraverted have altered and evolved since Jung first coined them. They have come to mean (sort of) 'shy and unconfident' vs 'social and confident' - in casual modern use.

This is not what the terms originally meant. The original use is a very valuable thinking tool.

A preference for Introversion means that one's inner world is more important that the outer 'real' one. For an Introvert to operate in the non-preferred, 'outer' world means that one is constantly draining one's batteries. One might be able to function well (or not), but either way it's exhausting and one has to 'go inside' to recharge.

To recharge, one might go for a walk in the forest, listen to relaxing music, meditate, enjoy a long bath, read a good book. Always alone (or with someone you don't have to talk to!)

An Extravert is the opposite. Their preferred world is the external, 'real' one. They will recharge by going to parties, eating in a crowded restaurant, meeting people, playing team sports, listening to loud music.

For an Introvert, this would be a nightmarish ordeal at the end of a long day. For an Extrovert, they are plugging into the source of energy they need to sustain them.

There is much more to this. But those are the basics.

Of interest, many Avalon forum members are Introverts - they prefer to write rather than talk (as Extraverts do) - and besides, the Extraverts are all out having a good time while you're there with your keyboard and your strong, vivid, internal universe.

:)

[edina]

Thanks Bill, you said it soooo much better than me. :o

[TheChosen]

I used to be an introvert (I liked thinking, being alone, not communicating much etc) but then something changed. Now I am extrovert (I like going out, don't like staying at home, like being around many people and communicating with them etc)

They tell you personality doesn't change in this regard and I used to believe it.. until the change happened to me. Still trying to figure out what happened to me to initiate such a big change

[edina]

One of the things I found interesting when I began to study introversion is how thought travels very different pathways in the brains of introverts versus extroverts. If you go into Amazon and look for the book I mentioned above, look inside and see if you can see page 74/75, or check the book out from a library. There is a great diagram of how the neuropathways of introverts look like, and the similar paths for extroverts.

One is called the Longer Introvert Acetylcholine Pathway, and for the extrovert, Shorter Extrovert Dopamine Pathway. WE literally use more of our brain. I can and often do accidentally send my extroverted friends into brain saturation, I'll see their eyes glaze over when I've pushed them past their capacity to think. They're getting exhausted, and I'm flying high. We laugh about this. It helps when you understand what is going on, and it helps when you can find funny, goofy ways to help your fellow extrovert terrans understand, too.

I think one thing that may happen to many introverts is that growing up, and in our predominant culture right now, we don't see who we are mirrored back at us. So, we misread the signals and lose confidence in our skills. I think we have them. We simply may not understand that and just need to understand ourselves better, and trust ourselves.

Before I understood what was going on when people's eyes glazed over, I thought this was happening because I was boring. I grew up convinced I was one boring gal. But, now that we can talk openly together about our differences, my extrovert friends tell me I am anything but boring. They just can't pace with me on the thinking stuff, but they love it. This was very surprising to me. And these conversations with people I trust has helped me become much more assured with myself.

[honeybee]

Hi Adrian
You might want to try affiliate marketing. I'm thinking along those lines myself at the moment. I suggest you research it well first though, it's not a get rich quick job and I think you need to put in quite a bit of time and effort to make it work.

There's a course on the web 'wealthy affiliates.' I think you can join for a one month trial for a reduced fee. I'm sure there are other ways to learn the skills without paying though. It's something you can do from your computer without having to interact face to face and it might be able to provide you with a supplementary income promoting things you're interested in. Best of luck.

[Mike Gorman]

Greetings,
you might be interested in the personality type testing that is current, most of us are blends of particular traits -as in the Myer Briggs profiling.
There are no pure 'introverts', or 'extroverts'-it can be useful to determine the degree of Judging/Intuitive/introvert/extrovert results you end up scoring,
as a guide to your potential in various job-roles. Often paradoxes occur, Musicians and actors are often very Introverted people, but seek to externalize via personae.
A therapist, for instance, can be either more introvert than extrovert-or a Lawyer. Appearances can be very deceptive, I am simply expressing my own findings in life-
it is dangerous to think in precise boundaries, in absolute terms about the Human personality, it far too protean to categorize neatly.

[Nenuphar]

Bill Ryan wrote, "Huge subject. I used to run seminars on the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) - an extension of Jung's work on very fundamental character types."

I didn't know that, Bill! Very interesting!

It was a relief for me when I first "discovered" the MBTI in my 20s. People usually describe me as bubbly (meant a compliment, though I hear, "air head". L!) yet I can only take people in small doses.

I was from an early age fascinated by psychology, hypnosis, metaphysics, the occult, and spirituality (in earnest around 12, though I remember one of my favorite books when I was 6 was, "The Witch's Catalog", a pretend catalog of ingredients and tools I wished with all my heart was real!)

With introversion comes a great deal of introspection, which has led me to some dark places over the years. Lots of questions about myself and life in general, and not many answers.

I enjoy working with people, but am exhausted at the end of the day even if I'm working part time. I'm a cafe person, not a bar person, prefer reading and solitary activities to large concerts and parties.

Cannot do crowded, bustling restaurants. It's not a question of being a goody-goody (as I used to be accused of! :p) but that I need that time to myself or else I get sick, and quickly. MUCH prefer writing to speaking - I feel more focused and am far more effective at communicating, and frankly, am taken more seriously when I write something vs when I'm speaking.

Love email, avoid the phone like the plague.

Silent retreats, like the ones featured in this YouTube Channel, sound like Heaven to me.
http://www.youtube.com/user/SilenceAddict#p/c/29F301A19DDF37C8/0/A5AhtmlL81U

I'm enjoying this thread, so glad it was started!

[9eagle9]

I can and often do accidentally send my extroverted friends into brain saturation, I'll see their eyes glaze over when I've pushed them past their capacity to think. They're getting exhausted, and I'm flying high. We laugh about this. It helps when you understand what is going on, and it helps when you can find funny, goofy ways to help your fellow extrovert terrans understand, too.


For a long time I didn't understand and thought I was stupid for my inability to get what I thought were perfectly reasonable thoughts across. We do a lot of things to others perhaps in the form of prejudice, via our misunderstanding of how our minds work but we end up doing as much damage to ourselves. If we are creating our reality, I'm thinking its more important than ever to understand how our minds work and what its using for and against us.

[cowens66]

Greetings,
you might be interested in the personality type testing that is current, most of us are blends of particular traits -as in the Myer Briggs profiling.
There are no pure 'introverts', or 'extroverts'-it can be useful to determine the degree of Judging/Intuitive/introvert/extrovert results you end up scoring,
as a guide to your potential in various job-roles.

A friend does personality typing for a large defense contractor,:( . I was typed as an intuitive-introvert. I have the test around here somewhere, can't remember much about it now, been a few years, but I think I was a P, don't know if that's right.

Maybe someone could clarify that remembers the particulars of the testing better than I do. Being an Intuitive introvert can explain why I don't remember the details, think we are more big picture types?

[EsmaEverheart]

ISTJ here all the way.

[cowens66]

Hi Esma,

I remember Intuitive and Judging from that type. Can't remember what S and T are. Can you fill in the blanks for me? Now I really have to go find that test. :confused: Connie

[EsmaEverheart]

Sensing and Thinking. Introvert too.

[cowens66]

Sensing and Thinking. Introvert too.

Thank you. It's starting to come back to me.

[Corncrake]

Such an interesting thread and so many points I resonate with. I was a very shy child - the only redhead in the family and always labelled highly strung and it took me years to learn to interact with people. I still don't really enjoy big parties unless I am with like minded people. Put me in a room full of city bankers and I freeze! However, it sounds simplistic but one way to get over shyness is to think of how other people are feeling instead of the emotions going on inside oneself. There are people one labels extrovert and they are not at all - it is all a front. Psychometrics (tests) are fallible.

[hohoemi]

if I could do it all over again, I would do something in the arts. Photography, writing,, computer design, something where I don't have to be around people.

actually, from the overtures into arts that i've made, and from what i know from artists, you need a lot of self-marketing and, in many cases, interactions with customers etc.. so in general, i'd say this path leads to having to seriously (as in having to make an impact, not humour-lessly) deal with (potentially many) people.

i've also found that you need a real drive and a passion for creating, otherwise having to invest endless hours into art-projects (and yes, arts are more time-intensive than anything i've tried yet) can be simply frustrating. for myself, after studying arts for a year, i found that i'm much more passionate about thinking/information/learning than about making things. (the best part about art-school was that i could listen to interviews on project camelot and elsewhere while working :))

still, if the above applies to you, don't you think it's never too late to start doing what you love? (i know, this is so much more easier said than done, and i'm not saying that i could do it, but maybe you could?)

(and, btw, i'm very introverted myself - most of what is being said applies to me too. and i use too many brackets!!)

[edina]

- i use too many brackets!!)

No, you don't hohoemi. It's great to hear from you. Your brackets are just a way of writing our more accurately how your minds works. When we share, ..., let's start over, I can't speak for anyone else, but I enjoy people sharing from who they are naturally. I like the heart of it. Like when Charles decided to keep his mistakes and such in his comments over in "The Key" blog. I like being human, and I like being with humans. Maybe I'm biassed. :o

Anyway, what do yous guys think, is there a tendancy among introverts to also be more self-conscious? I'm curious about this....

[write4change]

It is interesting to me that Bill has long been involved with MyersBriggs. I have studied it for about 20 years. I have in my hands several books on it. And if interest is expressed I will write one of my posts which any who read me know are long compared to most postings on a nut shell account of the theory of personality.

Several sites I have been on I have done self studies and the population of these sites are way way over the norm population of introverts. For the record I am an INTJ.

The knowledge of MyersBriggs is actively suppressed by the psychological professional community. My take on that is we all label and this if you are going to label you want more effective labeling. MyersBriggs study as a society is not about good or bad but the achievement of balance within a society.

I was first tested for this by the Jewish Federation in LA that was using this as part of the process of helping people find jobs and develop businesses. But it was a business for them. They were charging 300 dollars to take the test which took about an hour. And another 400 for a private session to interpret the test.

There is an online project that does all this for free in the US. They are gathering stats the world over to compare how countries are evolving. Their test is very simple and not very long. You will not get an accurate read if you are into psyching the test for what you think or feel you want. But if you answer quickly and spontaneously you will probably get an accurate read.

Go to http://www.humanmetrics.com

[hohoemi]

No, you don't (...) I enjoy people sharing from who they are naturally.

thanks, i'm glad you think so! :)

as for being more self-consious - my mother language is not english, so it's likely that i'm wrong in interpreting the word self-conscious in two ways: 1) being easily embarrased 2) being aware of the picture one is presenting to the world.
if it can be interpreted that way, then say that introverts are more self-conscious at least in the first way, while extroverts are less often uncomfortable in social situations. as for the second interpretation, i suppose it would be a clichee to say that introverts are more introspective about who they are, while extroverts are more concerned with the picture they present to the world, rather than the depths behind it...

what do you think?

[BrianEn]

I'm pretty much an introvert. I love the quiet at home. I have some visitors that drop by and that's enough for me. Some people think it's weird, but that's just me. I find it draining when too many people want my attention. Some of friends find it odd that I don't want to be disturbed when I tell them that I need my alone time. They are all bonified extroverts. They thrive around people. Mind I like people just not in large doses.

[Meesh]

Here is more information regarding Extraversion (E) and Introversion (I). It’s not an either/or thing. The vast majority of people are a combination of both, but most people have a preference towards either E or I. And people can have a slight, medium, or strong preference. The energy of extraverts flows out into the environment towards objects or people. Extraverts have a desire to act on the environment, to affirm its importance and effect. They rely on the environment for stimulation and guidance. They are action oriented, sometimes impulsive, are frank, and find it easy to communicate and socialize. The energy of introverts is drawn in from environment. Introverts are very interested in the inner world of concepts and ideas. They have a preference for clarity and rely more on enduring concepts than on transitory external events. They have a contemplative detachment about life, and enjoy solitude and privacy. I believe there are some free shortened versions of the MBTI on the Internet, if you want to see what your type is.

Sorry if I posted incorrectly--my first post.

[9eagle9]

I'm pretty much an introvert. I love the quiet at home. I have some visitors that drop by and that's enough for me. Some people think it's weird, but that's just me. I find it draining when too many people want my attention. Some of friends find it odd that I don't want to be disturbed when I tell them that I need my alone time. They are all bonified extroverts. They thrive around people. Mind I like people just not in large doses.

Me too. Homebody. I work with people all day so I'm not anxious to be out socializing all the time for the same reason. I'm a seeming extrovert and people would probably be surprised to find out i'm not an actual extrovert. I'm not shy, nor do I have much in the way of confidence challenges but I PREFER to be in my environment. I've fought long and hard to have the environment I want and I'm not leaving it to go to some pub, have the inebriated breathing down my neck and pawing at me and then get popped for a dui. Some fun..lol. I do like to socialize but on my terms. A lot of really social people i know have this air of desperation about their socializing that I find disconcerting--Have to be there Tues, have to here Monday , gotta show up thursdayfridaysaturdaysunday . Poolcardspartiesdartshorseshoesetcet. Have to? If you feel like you have to do it, surely that takes some of the fun out of it?

[TigaHawk]

Ahh i've been in you're position :)

The corporate enviroment ate me alive. And i cant reply quickly to people when needed, however on a forum like this when you have time its easy, on the spot you just look stupid when you're trying to pull the words from you're brain and push them out your'e mouth.

I also found i had.. "too much heart" to be able to survive in the coporate enviroment. My first job was a phone company, did realy repetative role of just imputting information of new customers, and i was the best there at doing that. When a job came up that involved actualy speaking to a customer - but technical sorta - i was moved there on trial because i did so well with the other stuff not talking to clients. First day - got a guy who was told by the salesman that he would get reception on the 30th floor. But lost reception from the 15th floor up. He had also told me he went back to the guy he bought it from to try and get a refund, as he only got the phone specificly because they said it could get reception on the 30th floor - the sales staff pretty much laughed, said sucked in and enjoy you're contract.

I told the guy to go to the TIO if another chat with the salesman still got him nowhere. Leeeeeeeeeeets just say i was put back in the other section straight after that call.



The job that i warmed up to and well was actualy a GOVERNMENT job. strange that huh? I have just found, that government enviroment vs coporate enviroment, there is one hell of a big buisness. In government, you dont have the people breathing down you're necks trying to ensure they squeeze every ounce of sweat out of you on a daily basis in the name of more profit. Government seems to not give a ****, and love taking their time. Because of this, the enviroment was much nicer.

We could take as much time as we wanted on calls, as long as we were professional, and were working to fix a problem ;) As long as you rocked up each day , on time, and apropriately dressed, you were fine. Also, all the people you talk too (make sure you get a job in a government IT HELPDESK - not a callcentre/information officer role that's public facing!!!) are incredibly nice - becuase they know you work for the same company as you.


So if you can... give a low lvl government IT helpdesk role a go.

Hope it helps :)

[gripreaper]

----------Of interest, many Avalon forum members are Introverts - they prefer to write rather than talk (as Extraverts do) - and besides, the Extraverts are all out having a good time while you're there with your keyboard and your strong, vivid, internal universe.

Hmmm. Never quite realized that the introverts were going to be the ones to come up with a plan!

I liken personality to a movie, the movie of life if you will. There are four quadrants, like a window pane. The middle horizontal line represents the energy nexus, where those above are masculine energy spend and those below are feminine energy conserve. On the vertical center axis, you have left brain on one side and right brain on the other. Now, in the upper corner, the left brain energetics are the type A leaders, the producers of the movie. One the other upper quadrant, you have the right brain creative energetics,the artists, the actors in the movie.

Then, in the lower left brain conserve quadrant, you have the thinking energy conserve who wants to get things done as efficiently as possible, these are the directors of the movie, and in the other lower quadrant of the energy conserve right brain, you have the observers who are the audience of the movie and just want to relax and enjoy.

Now, we each have traits in a primary dominant quadrant and a lesser dominant quadrant, some more pronounced than others The idea of unity consciousness is to bring all of these four personality quadrants into androgyny, the union of the divine feminine sophia and the divine masculine christos, internally.

Can we do it?

[astrid]

Yesterday my daughter opined that I have no ambition! The sad fact is that I have given up trying to have ambitions. It feels as if there is a path mapped out for me and any attempt to deviate from it is firmly but gently corrected. I know that I can contribute effectively in a world-class organization, but ...

We don't need to do, we just need to be.... we are here to be the light, to anchor the light, to share the light.

Go easy on yourself, you are already perfection, its the understanding of that, that so many have forgotten.

When i need to be reminded of this myself, i go out into nature. Look at the beauty all around you, its perfect, and so are we.

Embrace you, love you , accept you.......


Blessings,

Astrid

p.s INFP

[ThePythonicCow]

Hi Esma,

I remember Intuitive and Judging from that type. Can't remember what S and T are. Can you fill in the blanks for me? Now I really have to go find that test. :confused: Connie
From the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myers-Briggs_Type_Indicator) link that Bill Ryan provided above:



Dichotomies
Extroversion (E) - (I) Introversion
Sensing (S) - (N) Intuition
Thinking (T) - (F) Feeling
Judging (J) - (P) Perception

[ThePythonicCow]

Huge subject. I used to run seminars on the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myers-Briggs_Type_Indicator)) - an extension of Jung's work on very fundamental character types.
Charles should have asked us our MBTI type, not our eye color ;).


INTJ -- with hazel eyes.

[SKAWF]

wow, i'm really glad i found this thread, i'm a complete introvert. i put it down to me having some experiences when i was a child that led to me becoming withdrawn, i must have thought something like, no, sorry, this is wrong. i'm not playing any more. and nothing happened in my life to change that. I wouldnt change a thing though. I feel absolutely connected to who i am. its a more efficient way of life. an extrovert might think something, and then run it by other extroverts to see what they think, whereas i just get on with it. my sense of possibility is way beyond most, because theres a lack of resistance that i might get from friends. i dont seek anyones approval for anything, nor do i need them for any kind of confirmation. my thinking is my own. i also have a greater degree of certainty and confidence in the things i know, than a lot of the people i know. socially i feel uncomfortable sometimes, but i wouldnt think twice about getting up on a stage and performing. i dont get lonely, but i know a lot of extroverts who cannot stand to be in their own company. I mean how can that be right?, to dislike being in your own company!. WE are still intact. i think extroverts are disconnected from themselves, and when they are on their own, that looming reality is never far away, which is why they HAVE to be around other people, anything to distract themselves away from an uncomfortable realisation. i believe they are the way they are because of the schooling system. at some point they gave up their own personal authority whereas i kept mine and rebelled against school.
i also create things, artwork, music, lasershows, visuals, animations, photography etc. Ive lived an almost solitary life for over ten years now and i'm perfectly happy with it, just me, a flatmate who i hardly see, a few very good friends and my two beautiful ferrets magnolia and rose . i'm well reasoned and perfectly balanced. but when i interact with the vast majority, i end up mad as hell within in a short space of time, and the more time goes on, well lets just say that i dont see it improving any time soon. I wonder what percentage of those who have 'woken up', are introverts who always instinctively knew there was something not right, and those who are extroverts, and are absolutely oblivious to whats going on.
something else i would say is, just because the majority are extroverts, it doesnt make them right and us wrong. it makes THEM mindless slaves, and US a danger to a system that KEEPS slaves!!.
As for how to get along in the world..... i wouldnt worry about that. pursue your own dreams. As long as your prepared to make the sacrifices, put the effort in, and not be distracted, you'll achieve anything you put your mind to, but dont try to fix something that cant be fixed. its a waste of your time and energy and besides, its the world thats wrong, not you.

[jesterking]

A book you might find useful (if you are not already familiar with it) -is PLEASE UNDERSTAND ME by david keirsey and marilyn bates. I discovered the book by accident and was AMAZED at how accurate the information was. It includes career suggestions, learning and teaching methods ect. ..more info at www.keirsey.com

[grannyfranny100]

Adrian 86

At first I thought you were putting us on: "I have tried various jobs such as customer service, but none seem to work out." If you are truly an introvert, why on earth would go for a job that forces you to interact with people who are probably ticked off about something and act rudely. That's a challenge some extroverts like. I would suspect that your skills in IT give you a better chance to minimize interaction with people.

Some of the tests and books might help you understand yourself better if you aren't putting us on. Just don't lie on MB type tests. Yes we live in an extroverted culture but answering like an extrovert won't help you understand yourself.

And are you lonely because you want more interaction with people but are uncomfortable in crowds? I found I could enjoy large parties better if I was one of the first to arrive. I could pick out the folks I liked and steer clear of the others. That wasn't in the book.

You really need to get clearer about yourself and I wish you well.

Granny Franny

[Ernie Nemeth]

I too can so relate. I get exhausted around people and require lots of down time to recharge. I handle myself well enough in groups but often I go unheard. Unless there is any sort of out-of-the-ordinary event, like the subway stops and the lights go out or whatever. Then I always come to the fore and lead. It is the same in my job. I'm an electrician, and I've been at it a long time. But I don't fit in well so I've had many, many jobs. In every single instance I have risen rapidly to the top echelon because of my inter-personal skills and my ability to solve every problem I'm presented with. But soon others get jealous and the political back-stabbing begins. That's when I leave, I have learned to not fight back cause it only gets worse so I just move on. When I forget who I really am, when I am down, this aspect of my life hurts me very much. I could have given so much more had I been given a chance, like I always try to remember to give others.

[Bosswagon]

INFP, and it seems i'm not the only one

[jesterking]

ENFP btw and blue eyes....are there any other appolonians out there?

[pinkfrost]

i remember the moment i went from introvert to extrovert. i still am an introvert by heart, but can turn it off if i need too. my family kids me about how easy it is for me to shoo everyone off and demand "me-time." guess i am beginning to understand why now.

very. nice. read.

¤=[Post Update]=¤

i would suggest internet based jobs or something like a writer or a researcher...

[SteveX]

wow, i'm really glad i found this thread, i'm a complete introvert. i put it down to me having some experiences when i was a child that led to me becoming withdrawn, i must have thought something like, no, sorry, this is wrong. i'm not playing any more. and nothing happened in my life to change that. I wouldnt change a thing though. I feel absolutely connected to who i am. its a more efficient way of life. an extrovert might think something, and then run it by other extroverts to see what they think, whereas i just get on with it. my sense of possibility is way beyond most, because theres a lack of resistance that i might get from friends. i dont seek anyones approval for anything, nor do i need them for any kind of confirmation. my thinking is my own. i also have a greater degree of certainty and confidence in the things i know, than a lot of the people i know. socially i feel uncomfortable sometimes, but i wouldnt think twice about getting up on a stage and performing. i dont get lonely, but i know a lot of extroverts who cannot stand to be in their own company. I mean how can that be right?, to dislike being in your own company!. WE are still intact. i think extroverts are disconnected from themselves, and when they are on their own, that looming reality is never far away, which is why they HAVE to be around other people, anything to distract themselves away from an uncomfortable realisation. i believe they are the way they are because of the schooling system. at some point they gave up their own personal authority whereas i kept mine and rebelled against school.
i also create things, artwork, music, lasershows, visuals, animations, photography etc. Ive lived an almost solitary life for over ten years now and i'm perfectly happy with it, just me, a flatmate who i hardly see, a few very good friends and my two beautiful ferrets magnolia and rose . i'm well reasoned and perfectly balanced. but when i interact with the vast majority, i end up mad as hell within in a short space of time, and the more time goes on, well lets just say that i dont see it improving any time soon. I wonder what percentage of those who have 'woken up', are introverts who always instinctively knew there was something not right, and those who are extroverts, and are absolutely oblivious to whats going on.
something else i would say is, just because the majority are extroverts, it doesnt make them right and us wrong. it makes THEM mindless slaves, and US a danger to a system that KEEPS slaves!!.
As for how to get along in the world..... i wouldnt worry about that. pursue your own dreams. As long as your prepared to make the sacrifices, put the effort in, and not be distracted, you'll achieve anything you put your mind to, but dont try to fix something that cant be fixed. its a waste of your time and energy and besides, its the world thats wrong, not you.

From these brief thoughts I would say you are an INTJ.

[Bill Ryan]

----------

Maybe we should add this to the profile section as an option. :)

Bill -----> ENTP / ENFP.

Balanced T and F (Thinking and Feeling).
Very high N and P (Intuition and preference-for-lack-of-structure - which is what 'P' really means).

[Swami]

----------

Maybe we should add this to the profile section as an option. :)

Bill -----> ENTP / ENFP.

Balanced T and F (Thinking and Feeling).
Very high N and P (Intuition and preference-for-lack-of-structure - which is what 'P' really means).

Can you give a link (upload) this "test"....?
I can't find myself in any of them and seem to be flip-flopping between them all.....:noidea:

[ASIA]

----------

Maybe we should add this to the profile section as an option. :)

Bill -----> ENTP / ENFP.



Balanced T and F (Thinking and Feeling).
Very high N and P (Intuition and preference-for-lack-of-structure - which is what 'P' really means).

Please, please, please, ............don't! It will be total disclosure! LOL

[SteveX]

I am an INTJ but on, what I consider, a bad day I can be a ENTJ. A bad day is realizing I've had too much solitude and I burst upon the world with a captivating personality. All rather draining after a while.

Although introverted some take my outgoing personality for arrogance. This is their misconception of my confidence of not being intimidated in new or crowed surroundings. However, get me to speak publicly in a room full of people I don't know, then inwardly I crumble. I hate that.

My jobs have mostly been in sales so I’m used to approaching and dealing with strangers. I can see what needs to be done to make things work better. I had a bad habit of making decisions over my superiors...oops lol. If no one takes charge of something I feel important then I'll step up. Socially I can be commanding and a take charge of the situation guy....if need be.


Here's a link to a quick test. Note your scores and follow the internal links. Also google to find out what type of jobs may suit you.

http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes2.asp

[jesterking]

Maybe we should add this to the profile section as an option.

Bill -----> ENTP / ENFP.

Balanced T and F (Thinking and Feeling).
Very high N and P (Intuition and preference-for-lack-of-structure - which is what 'P' really means).

good idea!

Bill you are the first ENF/NTP that.. (I cant say that Ive met) but I have watched many of your interviews, and read your posts..and considering I too am an ENFP I find myself able to identify even more with what you do and who you are. You really are on an epic quest beyond that of just self, but of OUR self..I appreciate your courage, heart, and focus of energy in a truly WORTHWHILE direction. Im grateful beyond words..

[romina]

From http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes2.asp

I am ENFP (Extraverted 89% Intuitive 75% Feeling 75% Perceiving 33%)

[InTheBackground]

INFJ here. I became a fiction author when I grew up. Still dreaming and existing within myself. :)

[000]

INFJ with the central weight placed heavily on Intuition. Not surprising. Nonlocal intuition and access is my thing (sometimes 'read only', sometimes 'read/write'). I also lucid dream every night.

The MBTI also gave me Introverted as the second weightiest aspect of my INFJ... yes, I do enjoy the inward-outward flow but it is nothing without the outward-inward flow to balance it. I love extremely loud and aggressive music, all the way to pure harsh noise, just as much as I love calm and soothing music :) I get my kicks experiencing being centered in all different environments.

Being an aural/visual artist I've always enjoyed experimenting with perception and the whole holographic spectrum of chaos vs order during my stay in this body.

I do prefer to be alone most of the time but I have no issues with groups or crowds at all, they're only further opportunities to fine tune centeredness and also to spread vast quantities of aetheric pixie dust, subtly *WINK*

[Erin]

It's weird - in the past I have usually gotten INFP on these tests, but I keep getting INTJ now. I think I have elements of both (I'm creative/a writer, but also rely heavily on logic and analyzing things). Either way, the Intuition part was the strongest, and the last two were the lowest.

[write4change]

I do not know Bill in any way. I have had no interaction with him. I have gone to my books on MyersBriggs. Bill put this out there. And it fits with his profile. So if you want to understand Bill let us see how accurate this is and what he thinks about it.

Bill is an idealist under Jungian concepts. A Champion according David Kerisey. How do Champions view the world:

In the view of the Champions nothing occurs that is without significance, without profound meaning. And they don't want to miss any of it. ENFPs must experience all the events that affect people's lives, and then they are eager to relate the stories they've uncovered, hoping to disclose some truth about people and issues, and to motivate others with their powerful convictions. This strong drive to speak out on social events can make these Champions tireless in conversing with others, like fountains that bubble and splash, spilling over their own words to get it all out. Their enthusiasm is boundless and is often contagious, making them the most vivacious of all the types, and also inspiring others to join their cause.

As a variant of Plat's Idealists and Aristotle's Ethicists, the ENFPs are little different from other NFs in most respects. Like all the Idealists they are abstract in communicating and cooperative in implementing goals. they want to learn about the humanities, are preoccupied with morale, and work well with personnel. In orientation they are altruistic, credulous, mystical, situated on pathways, and with their eye on tomorrow. They base their self image on being seen empathic, benevolent, and authentic. Often inspired, they trust their intuition, yearn for romance, seek identity, prize recognition, and aspire to be a sage. Intellectually, they are prone to practice diplomacy far more than strategy, logistics, and especially tactics. Further, having a probing or exploring nature they ten to prefer the Advocate's informative role over the more schedule-minded Mentor's directive role. And because of their irrepressible expressiveness they are more eager to be a Champion of causes than a Healer of troubled souls. To visualize ENFP intellectual development consider the following their path: advocate, teacher, healer, counselor.

The are rather rare, say two or three percent of the population, but even more than the others they consider intense emotional experiences as being vital to a full life. Champions have a wide range and variety of emotions, and a great passion for novelty, and resist repeating experiences. Also, they can never quite shake the feeling that a part of themselves is split off, uninvolved in their experience. Thus, while they strive for emotional intensity, Champions often see themselves in some danger of losing touch with their real feelings.

These expressive Advocates are fiercely independent, repudiating any kind of subordination, either in themselves or in others in relation to them. Unfortunately, Champions constantly find themselves surrounded by others who look toward them for wisdom, inspiration, courage, and leadership, a dependency which , at times, weighs rather heavily on them. In the same vein, ENFPs strive toward a kind of spontaneous personal authenticity, and this intention always to be themselves is usually communicated nonverbally to others, who find it quite attractive.

In their probing way, Champions exercise a continuous scanning of the social environment, and no suspicious motive is likely to escape their attention. Far more than other NFs, they are the keen and penetrating observers of the people around them, and are capable of intense concentration on another individual. Their attention is never passive or casual, never wandering , but always directed. In fact, seeing life as an exciting drama pregnant with possibilities for both good and evil, Champions tent to be hypersensitive and hyperalert, always ready for emergencies.

Historical View of this Personality Type:

Hippocrates Phlegmatic
Aristotle Air --- cool
Jung Idealist
Watson/Crick Cytosine
Nomi/Besher Blood Type AB
Friedman Chemical Types Type B
Sperry Brain Types Right brain
Abravanel Body Types Gonadal
Mar facial types Round
Mendel Garland
Pavlov Canine Types Steadfast
Cultural Southern

What turns on this personality:

Cooperation Teamwork Peacefulness
Pleasant people Helping others Camaraderie
Volunteerism Loyalty Emotional support
Optimism Trust Relationships
Slow pace Kindness Advising
Feeling needed Smooth sailing Resolving conflicts
Communication Encouragement Friendliness

What turns this personality off:

Shouting Roadblocks to peace
Feeling shunned Lack of teamwork
Conflict Fast pace
Negative attitudes Competition
Isolation Impatience
Heavy Responsibilities Rigid Deadlines
Insensitivity Uncooperativeness
Pressure Rudeness

I have not gotten out my books in a long time. They have a whale of information in them. Now that i have reviewed them, I know why I am attracted to and feel comfortable with Bill and his judgment. And I would bet that Kerry is the exact opposite of all these traits and needs. A relationship of exact opposites is very intense and you learn a lot from them but when they are done; they are over. Bill's personality is tuned to the learning experience, bless and let go.

[Adrian86]

I am quite happy to see that this thread has taken off! :o A great deal of information has been brought to my attention as a result.

Many questions and concerns that were buried deep in my mind are beginning to see resolve. Yet, as I begin to understand such concepts with deeper insight, more questions tend to arise...

----------

My result from the Myers-Briggs Test is: INFJ (http://typelogic.com/infj.html)

[write4change]

Thank you Adrian for posting this link with so much quick and useful information. I had not seen that one before and I like having something where I do not have to drag out all my books but for Bill it was worth it. LOL

[Ernie Nemeth]

Intj? Enfp? Infp?

[Ernie Nemeth]

Thanks for the link, SteveX - don't know how I missed it the first time around.
According to the test I am INFP. High emphasis on F and even higher on P.
From the description I would say it is highly accurate.
That was fun!

[Come As You Are]

Thanks to Edina
That's interesting information which immediately made me think of the relationship between muscle fibre types and athletic inclinations. Short, or fast twitch fibres for sprinters, and long, or slow twitch fibres for stayers!!
Adrian86, live your INFJ with confidence! You are a rare gem, only about 2% of the population have this combination. I would say, what is it that you love to do? Even if you only do it at home, do it, work at it and develop it's craft. You will develop your personal appreciation, skill and ability, and this will shine through in your "public" life. This will enhance and consolidate your personal strength and you will exude an inner light, becoming of yourself.
Thanks.

[Blake Elder]

I am INTP. Any other INTP here?

I am High I and High P.

[Limor Wolf]

What an interesting subject !I think it worth to bring it back alive for the sake of all the introverts between us (just for the record,I think extraverts desreve the same kind of thread!).

I have taken the meyers-Brigg / jung test (http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/jtypes2.asp)yesterday and reaffirmed to myself that my personality (would love to be able to submit some new requests for the next time...) very much match the clasic INFJ.I also listned to some other INFJ's on you tube,and found bits and pieces of myself in each and every one of them.our introvertness dictates our life,it is felt like a limit sometimes but it has some well of good in it - a deep inner world that can easily compare with that of the outer one (as Bill nicknamed it in this thread - our privet 'universe') and the gift of intuition.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZPtLNkCCxI&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Cnxu-r-D5g&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dd9zIHZYwis&feature=related

If you haven't already done the test,it is much recommended.not that you dont know yourself,oh no,you do,we are here on Avalon,the home and the friendly environment for questioning and aware people,surely we are aware about ourselves..but its just feel utterly nice to know that there are others like us.

The next questionnaire : what type of ET are you? can someone start to work on this one...


~*&^~*&

Limor

[Limor Wolf]

This is way too far fetched,and I appologize, but I can not help and wonder,that if we are descendant of a several ET species ,than maybe some of it reflects in the Meyers-Brigg test results.

Here is the description of some ET types- of course we hardly know anything on them to make any comparison at all..

http://www.bizton.com/id215.html

(This is the only place where I can type those kind of thoughts and than press the 'send' button.Thank you Avalon)

[ThePythonicCow]

but I can not help and wonder,that if we are descendant of a several ET species ,than maybe some of it reflects in the Meyers-Brigg test results.
When I observe the diversity of other plant and animal species (such as the diverse temperaments of dogs) it does not surprise me that humans have an amazing diversity in all aspects of their being. That seems to be the way of life (even of inanimate geological and astronomical structures.)

So I for one cannot conclude either way whether the presence of different human temperaments is a reflection of ET ancestry or not.

[RunningDeer]

:bump: Giving a bump and thanks to Adrian86 and Limor. :wave:

Also Bill's post and the explanation on the difference between introverted and extraverted:


----------

Huge subject. I used to run seminars on the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myers-Briggs_Type_Indicator)) - an extension of Jung's work on very fundamental character types.

The terms introverted and extraverted have altered and evolved since Jung first coined them. They have come to mean (sort of) 'shy and unconfident' vs 'social and confident' - in casual modern use.

This is not what the terms originally meant. The original use is a very valuable thinking tool.

A preference for Introversion means that one's inner world is more important that the outer 'real' one. For an Introvert to operate in the non-preferred, 'outer' world means that one is constantly draining one's batteries. One might be able to function well (or not), but either way it's exhausting and one has to 'go inside' to recharge.

To recharge, one might go for a walk in the forest, listen to relaxing music, meditate, enjoy a long bath, read a good book. Always alone (or with someone you don't have to talk to!)

An Extravert is the opposite. Their preferred world is the external, 'real' one. They will recharge by going to parties, eating in a crowded restaurant, meeting people, playing team sports, listening to loud music.

For an Introvert, this would be a nightmarish ordeal at the end of a long day. For an Extrovert, they are plugging into the source of energy they need to sustain them.

There is much more to this. But those are the basics.

Of interest, many Avalon forum members are Introverts - they prefer to write rather than talk (as Extraverts do) - and besides, the Extraverts are all out having a good time while you're there with your keyboard and your strong, vivid, internal universe.

:)


What an interesting subject !I think it worth to bring it back alive for the sake of all the introverts between us (just for the record,I think extraverts desreve the same kind of thread!).

I have taken the meyers-Brigg / jung test (http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/jtypes2.asp)yesterday and reaffirmed to myself that my personality (would love to be able to submit some new requests for the next time...) very much match the clasic INFJ.I also listned to some other INFJ's on you tube,and found bits and pieces of myself in each and every one of them.our introvertness dictates our life,it is felt like a limit sometimes but it has some well of good in it - a deep inner world that can easily compare with that of the outer one (as Bill nicknamed it in this thread - our privet 'universe') and the gift of intuition.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZPtLNkCCxI&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Cnxu-r-D5g&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dd9zIHZYwis&feature=related

If you haven't already done the test,it is much recommended.not that you dont know yourself,oh no,you do,we are here on Avalon,the home and the friendly environment for questioning and aware people,surely we are aware about ourselves..but its just feel utterly nice to know that there are others like us.

The next questionnaire : what type of ET are you? can someone start to work on this one...


~*&^~*&

Limor

[Sophocles]

I think Jordan Peterson explains the importance of this aspect (introvertion / extrovertion) of our personality in a fairly understandable way in this talk (especially when it comes to relationships).

Jordan Peterson Introverts Vs Extroverts:

YT-link (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rpvw3A29g4)

-rpvw3A29g4


PS! The Big Five personality traits (Five-factor Model)


Openness to Experience (Closed to Experiences)
Conscientiousness (Lack of Conscientiousness)
Extraversion (Introversion)
Agreeableness (Disagreeableness)
Neuroticism (Emotional Stability)

Full article at psychestudy.com (https://www.psychestudy.com/general/personality/big-five)

[RunningDeer]

I think Jordan Peterson explains the importance of this aspect (introvertion / extrovertion) of our personality in a fairly understandable way in this talk (especially when it comes to relationships).

Jordan Peterson Introverts Vs Extroverts:

YT-link (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rpvw3A29g4)

-rpvw3A29g4


PS! The Big Five personality traits (Five-factor Model)


Openness to Experience (Closed to Experiences)
Conscientiousness (Lack of Conscientiousness)
Extraversion (Introversion)
Agreeableness (Disagreeableness)
Neuroticism (Emotional Stability)

Full article at psychestudy.com (https://www.psychestudy.com/general/personality/big-five)


Thanks, Sophocles. :wave: I've added the chart from the article (https://www.psychestudy.com/general/personality/big-five). (Part of it was cut off on my browser.)


https://i.imgur.com/QKbRL6M.jpg